Panel: Parents should get last say in playing a student after a concussion

Friday

Oct 19, 2012 at 3:15 AMOct 19, 2012 at 1:17 PM

By Samantha Allensallen@fosters.com

ROCHESTER — The Rochester School Board's Policy Committee on Thursday approved an amendment that says, regardless of a doctor or school trainer's recommendation, parents have the last say as to whether their child may return to play sports after a concussion. The policy also reads for students 18 years and older, the person may make that decision on their own. The Policy Committee heard from the athletic department at a recent meeting their thoughts on a new policy addressing the issue. Dr. Walter Hoerman, of Lilac City Pediatrics, also weighed in, saying a doctor may consult with the department throughout the process, but it should be an adult who gives final approval. Even with a doctor and trainer's approval of a student returning to the game once he has fully recovered in their view, the parent, or guardian, has the option of approving the recommendation. “In the last year to six months, I think with all the pro-sports in college and high school, … it's certainly clear there needs to a be a protocol for when a student returns,” Superintendent Michael Hopkins told Foster's following the committee's vote on a revised policy. Board member Daniel Harkinson told the committee Thursday he agreed with Hoerman's previous recommendations. “ The district needs to make it clear the ultimate authority for returning a student, after all conditions, (goes to) the parents,” Harkinson said. By the end of the discussion, the school district policy JLCJ for “concussions and head injuries” reflected the proposed amendment. The policy also stipulates all coaches, including volunteers, shall be trained in dealing with such injuries, especially in “contact” sports. Hopkins said the discussion of this issue came to the table when new state legislation recently emphasized concussion safety in schools. Foster's has reported in the Dover School District, the school board there has discussed a proposal to eliminate football teams, to protect the district's students. Hopkins said he believes there are many sports that are as dangerous as football when it comes to head injuries, including soccer and basketball. Asked if the Rochester district would consider such a drastic step as to eliminate a sports program, Hopkins responded, “I think that there are so many programs that can lead to concussions, that we need to make sure we're following the protocol to keep everyone safe. It's not just one sport.”At the end of the meeting, during public comment, resident Doris Gates raised another sports related issue tied to the recent interest in Spaulding High School ice hockey times requesting to charge a $1,000 fee per student, which could be worked down if parents volunteered to fundraise more. The full Rochester School Board approved the request at its most recent meeting in City Hall.Gates raised the question to the Policy Committee as to whether an all-encompassing policy should be designed by the group to address the new fundraising tactic for other teams in need“…Should we not have fair and equity amongst all of the sports?” she posed. “I know you're opening Pandora's Box, so now we're talking about golf, skiing – but maybe it's a larger discussion that needs to be had about athletics in the schools.”Committee Chairman Anthony Pastelis said he could not definitively answer and would need time to consult with experts on the topic.